U.S. patent application number 11/333160 was filed with the patent office on 2007-07-19 for metallized glass grounding for antenna.
Invention is credited to Joseph R. JR. Dockemeyer, Kenneth P. Lee, Ahmad B. Pakray, Imtiaz Zafar.
Application Number | 20070164916 11/333160 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37897336 |
Filed Date | 2007-07-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070164916 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Zafar; Imtiaz ; et
al. |
July 19, 2007 |
Metallized glass grounding for antenna
Abstract
A satellite antenna is mounted on one side of a window. The
window is made of metallized glass or has an electrically
conductive print applied to the side opposite the satellite
antenna. The electrically conductive print or metallized glass
serves as a ground connection for the satellite antenna.
Inventors: |
Zafar; Imtiaz; (Sterling
Heights, MI) ; Dockemeyer; Joseph R. JR.; (Kokomo,
IN) ; Pakray; Ahmad B.; (Rochester Hills, MI)
; Lee; Kenneth P.; (Bingham Farms, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
M/C 480-410-202
PO BOX 5052
TROY
MI
48007
US
|
Family ID: |
37897336 |
Appl. No.: |
11/333160 |
Filed: |
January 17, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
343/713 ;
343/711 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01Q 1/1271 20130101;
H01Q 1/3208 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
343/713 ;
343/711 |
International
Class: |
H01Q 1/32 20060101
H01Q001/32 |
Claims
1. An antenna system comprising: a satellite antenna mounted
proximate a first surface of a window panel; an electrical
conductor operatively coupled to the satellite antenna; and an
electrically conductive print disposed proximate a second surface
of the window panel, the second surface opposite the first surface,
the electrically conductive print operatively coupled to the
satellite antenna to provide a ground connection for the satellite
antenna.
2. The antenna system of claim 1, wherein the window panel is
mounted on a vehicle chassis via an adhesive, and wherein the
electrically conductive print is located at least partially on the
adhesive.
3. The antenna system of claim 1, wherein the electrically
conductive print comprises a silver ceramic applied to the second
surface of the window panel.
4. The antenna system of claim 3, wherein the silver ceramic is
applied to the second surface of the window panel via a silk
screening process and baked to fuse the silver ceramic to the
window panel.
5. The antenna system of claim 1, wherein the window panel has a
glass structure and comprises an electrically conductive material
incorporated in the glass structure.
6. The antenna system of claim 5, wherein the electrically
conductive material is fused in the glass structure.
7. The antenna system of claim 1, wherein the window panel defines
an aperture and the electrical conductor is routed through the
aperture.
8. A communication system comprising: a receiver; a satellite
antenna mounted proximate a first surface of a window panel; an
electrical conductor operatively coupled to the satellite antenna
and to the receiver; and an electrically conductive print disposed
proximate a second surface of the window panel, the second surface
opposite the first surface, the electrically conductive print
operatively coupled to the satellite antenna to provide a ground
connection for the satellite antenna.
9. The communication system of claim 8, wherein the window panel is
mounted on a vehicle chassis via an adhesive, and wherein the
electrically conductive print is located at least partially on the
adhesive.
10. The communication system of claim 8, wherein the electrically
conductive print comprises a silver ceramic applied to the second
surface of the window panel.
11. The communication system of claim 10, wherein the silver
ceramic is applied to the second surface of the window panel via a
silk screening process and baked to fuse the silver ceramic to the
window panel.
12. The communication system of claim 8, wherein the window panel
has a glass structure and comprises an electrically conductive
material incorporated in the glass structure.
13. The communication system of claim 12, wherein the electrically
conductive material is fused in the glass structure.
14. The communication system of claim 8, wherein the window panel
defines an aperture and the electrical conductor is routed through
the aperture.
15. A method for installing an antenna system, the method
comprising: applying an electrically conductive print proximate an
interior surface of a window panel; mounting a satellite antenna
proximate an exterior surface of the window panel; coupling the
electrically conductive print to the satellite antenna to provide a
ground connection for the satellite antenna; and coupling an
electrical conductor to the satellite antenna and to a
receiver.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the window panel is mounted on
a vehicle chassis via an adhesive, and wherein the electrically
conductive print is located at least partially on the adhesive.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein the electrically conductive
print comprises a silver ceramic applied to the interior surface of
the window panel.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the silver ceramic is applied
to the interior surface of the window panel via a silk screening
process and baked to fuse the silver ceramic to the window
panel.
19. The method of claim 15, wherein the window panel has a glass
structure and comprises an electrically conductive material
incorporated in the glass structure.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the electrically conductive
material is fused in the glass structure.
21. The method of claim 15, wherein the window panel defines an
aperture and the electrical conductor is routed through the
aperture.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This disclosure relates generally to antennas. More
particularly, the disclosure relates to antennas for use in
transmitting and receiving circularly polarized signals.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The vast majority of vehicles currently in use incorporate
vehicle communication systems for receiving or transmitting
signals. For example, vehicle audio systems provide information and
entertainment to many motorists daily. These audio systems
typically include an AM/FM radio receiver that receives radio
frequency (RF) signals. These RF signals are then processed and
rendered as audio output.
[0003] Some vehicle communication systems incorporate tuners for
receiving satellite signals used in satellite-based digital audio
radio (SDAR) services. SDAR services use digital signals that are
broadcast from transmitters mounted on one or more satellites
orbiting the Earth. Because the signals used by SDAR systems are
digital, sound quality is enhanced relative to traditional analog
broadcasting systems. In addition, an SDAR transmitter can provide
coverage for a much larger geographic area than the
terrestrial-based transmitters used by analog broadcasters. For
example, it is possible to travel across a large portion of the
United States without needing to change channels as different
metropolitan areas are entered and exited.
[0004] Because SDAR systems use satellite signals, a vehicle
communication system that is capable of receiving these signals
uses an antenna that require a clear line of sight to the
satellite. The antenna is typically mounted on the exterior of the
vehicle so that the vehicle body and glass will not block the
satellite signals.
[0005] The antenna must be electrically connected to the tuner to
provide the satellite signal to the tuner. This electrical
connection is typically accomplished via one or more coaxial cables
running from the antenna to the tuner. In many vehicles, the
coaxial cable is routed through weather strip material located
proximate the windshield or rear window glass and into the vehicle
via the trunk or doors. Some vehicle bodies incorporate cable
routing channels to facilitate routing the cable.
[0006] In some vehicles, the coaxial cable is located entirely or
substantially entirely inside the vehicle and is coupled to the
antenna by RF couplers. Conventional solutions involve using two RF
couplers mounted on a window: one on the interior surface and one
on the exterior surface. For optimum performance, the RF couplers
must be aligned. Even when the RF couplers are aligned, the coupler
loss through the window is typically approximately 1-2 dB.
SUMMARY OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS
[0007] According to various example embodiments, a satellite
antenna is mounted on one side of a window. The window is made of
metallized glass or has an electrically conductive print applied to
the side opposite the satellite antenna. The electrically
conductive print or metallized glass serves as a ground connection
for the satellite antenna.
[0008] One embodiment is directed to an antenna system that
includes a satellite antenna mounted proximate one surface of a
window panel. An electrical conductor is operatively coupled to the
satellite antenna. An electrically conductive print is disposed
proximate an opposite surface of the window panel. The electrically
conductive print is operatively coupled to the satellite antenna to
provide a ground connection for the satellite antenna.
[0009] In another embodiment, a communication system includes a
receiver and a satellite antenna mounted proximate one surface of a
window panel. An electrical conductor is operatively coupled to the
satellite antenna. An electrically conductive print is disposed
proximate an opposite surface of the window panel. The electrically
conductive print is operatively coupled to the satellite antenna to
provide a ground connection for the satellite antenna.
[0010] Yet another embodiment is directed to a method for
installing an antenna system. An electrically conductive print is
applied proximate an interior surface of a window panel. A
satellite antenna is mounted proximate an exterior surface of the
window panel. The electrically conductive print is coupled to the
satellite antenna to provide a ground connection for the satellite
antenna. An electrical conductor is coupled to the satellite
antenna and to a receiver.
[0011] Various embodiments may provide certain advantages. For
instance, the radio frequency (RF) couplers that are employed in
certain conventional systems may be eliminated. Performance may be
improved as a result. In addition, manufacturing costs can be
reduced in this way.
[0012] Additional objects, advantages, and features will become
apparent from the following description and the claims that follow,
considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example
communication system according to one embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating an example antenna system
forming part of the communication system illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating an example method for
installing the antenna system illustrated in FIG. 2.
DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS
[0016] According to various embodiments, a satellite antenna is
mounted on one side of a window. The window is made of metallized
glass or has an electrically conductive print applied to the side
opposite the satellite antenna. The electrically conductive print
or metallized glass serves as a ground connection for the satellite
antenna.
[0017] Various embodiments may provide certain advantages. For
instance, the radio frequency (RF) couplers that are employed in
certain conventional systems may be eliminated. Performance may be
improved as a result. In addition, manufacturing costs can be
reduced in this way.
[0018] In the following description, numerous specific details are
set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various
embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to one
skilled in the art that various embodiments may be practiced
without some or all of these specific details. In other instances,
well known components have not been described in detail in order to
avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention.
[0019] For purposes of this description, terms such as "upper,"
"lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical,"
"horizontal," and the like relate to the embodiment as illustrated
and oriented in the Figures. It is to be understood that various
embodiments may assume alternative orientations, except where
expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood
that specific devices and processes are described in this
disclosure by way of illustration only, and are not intended to be
limiting. For example, specific dimensions and other physical
characteristics relating to the embodiments described in this
disclosure are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims
expressly state otherwise.
[0020] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates an example
communication system 100, such as a vehicle entertainment system.
In the communication system 100, a radio frequency (RF) signal is
transmitted, for example, from a satellite transmitter 102 to an
antenna 104. A low noise amplifier (LNA), which may be integral
with the antenna 104, amplifies and filters noise from the RF
signal. The RF signal is conducted to an input of a receiver 108,
for example, via an RF or coaxial cable 110.
[0021] The RF signal may be conducted from the exterior of the
vehicle to the interior of the vehicle across a window panel 112,
for example, via a hole or notch in the window panel 112. As an
alternative, the RF signal may be conducted across a glass or other
dielectric surface via a coupling device (not shown) that may
employ capacitive coupling, slot coupling, or aperture
coupling.
[0022] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the antenna 104 is
operatively coupled to the receiver 108. It will be appreciated by
those skilled in the art that the antenna 104 can be operatively
coupled to multiple communication devices. Some such communication
devices may have both transmitting and receiving capabilities, and
may be connected to antennas, such as transmitting antennas, other
than the antenna 104. If the antenna 104 is located in a vehicle
having multiple communication devices, the communication devices
may be operatively coupled to the antenna via a high-speed data bus
(not shown). The communication devices may include, e.g., one or
more receivers in combination with one or more transmitters.
[0023] The receiver 108 is operatively coupled to a decoder 114,
which decodes that RF signals received by the receiver 108. In
addition, the decoder 114 may also perform an authentication
function to verify that the communication system 100 is authorized
to receive programming embodied in the RF signal. The decoded
signal may contain audio and video components. The video component
is rendered by a display 116, and the audio component is rendered
by an audio subsystem 118, which may include a number of
speakers.
[0024] In one embodiment, the antenna 104 is mounted on an exterior
surface of the window 112. A conductive print 120 is formed on an
interior surface of the window 112 and serves as a ground
connection for the antenna 104. The conductive print 120 may
contact a polyurethane adhesive (not shown) that secures the window
112 to the vehicle chassis. With the conductive print 120 providing
the ground connection for the antenna 104, coupling losses
associated with coupling the antenna 104 to the receiver 108 across
the window 112 can be reduced.
[0025] FIG. 2 illustrates one example embodiment of the antenna 104
and the conductive print 120. The antenna 104 may be implemented as
a linearly polarized or other type of SDAR antenna and is mounted
on an exterior surface 130 of the window 112, which is secured to
the vehicle chassis by an adhesive 132 formed, for example, from
polyurethane. The antenna 104 is connected to the coaxial cable
110, which passes through a hole or notch formed in the window 112
to the interior of the vehicle.
[0026] The conductive print 120 is applied on an interior surface
of the window 112 and contacts the adhesive 132. With the
conductive print 120 in contact with the adhesive 132, the vehicle
chassis provides an electrical ground for the conductive print 120.
In this way, an electrical ground is provided for the antenna
104.
[0027] The conductive print 120 may be applied in any of a variety
of patterns. The dimensions of the conductive print 120 may be
selected as a function of the size of the base of the antenna 104
and the geometry of the glass available at the point of
installation. Antenna characteristics are improved with increasing
size of the ground plane. Accordingly, it is desirable that the
conductive print 120 be as large as practicable. However, it is
also desirable that the conductive print not extend outside the
"blackout" region on the window 112. The "blackout" region is
defined by a strip of black material located on the interior
surface of the window 112 near the perimeter of the window 112, and
is visible from both the interior and exterior surfaces of the
window 112.
[0028] In some embodiments, the conductive print 120 is implemented
as a component distinct from the glass forming the window 112. For
example, the conductive print 120 may be implemented as a silver
ceramic layer applied to the interior surface of the window 112.
This layer may be substantially as thick as defroster lines (not
shown) applied on the exterior surface 130 of the window 112. The
silver ceramic may be silk screened on the interior surface of the
glass and then baked at a high temperature to fuse the silver
ceramic to the glass. Alternatively, the silver ceramic may be
applied to the glass using any of a variety of conventional
techniques.
[0029] In other embodiments, the glass forming the window 112 is
itself metallized. During the glass manufacturing process, a
conductive material may be fused in or embedded in the glass
structure. The glass may be selectively metallized such that
certain areas of the glass are conductive. Other areas of the
glass, such as those in which the ground and RF signals need to be
separated, are nonconductive, i.e., nonmetallized.
[0030] Using metallized glass to implement the window 112 may
reduce coupling losses. For example, at frequencies around 2.338
GHz, coupling losses may be reduced to approximately 0.3 dB. These
coupling losses are attributable to the RF contacts between the
antenna 104 and the internal RF contact on the interior surface of
the window 112. By comparison, coupling losses through glass are
typically approximately 1-2 dB under conventional approaches.
[0031] FIG. 3 illustrates an example method for installing the
antenna system of FIG. 2. The conductive print 120 is applied (150)
proximate the interior surface of the window 112. If the window 112
is mounted to the vehicle chassis using an adhesive, the conductive
print 120 may be located at least partially on the adhesive. In
some embodiments, the conductive print 120 is silk screened on the
interior surface of the window 112 and is fused to the interior
surface of the window 112 through a baking process. Alternatively,
the conductive print 120 may be applied to the interior surface of
the window 112 using any of a variety of other conventional
techniques. As another alternative, the window 112 itself may be
metallized by fusing or embedding a conductive material in the
structure of the glass that forms the window 112. Certain areas of
the window 112 may be selectively metallized or nonmetallized,
depending on whether conductivity is desirable in those areas.
[0032] The antenna 104 is mounted (152) proximate the exterior
surface 130 of the window 112 either before or after the conductive
print 120 is applied proximate the interior surface of the window
112. Next, the conductive print 120 is coupled (154) to the antenna
104. With the conductive print 120 in contact with the adhesive
used to mount the window 112 to the vehicle chassis, an electrical
ground for the conductive print 120 and, in turn, for the antenna
104, is provided by the vehicle chassis. The coaxial cable 110 is
then coupled (156) to the antenna 104 and to the receiver 108 of
FIG. 1. The coaxial cable 110 may be routed through a notch or hole
formed in the window 112.
[0033] As demonstrated by the foregoing discussion, various
embodiments may provide certain advantages. For instance, mounting
the antenna on the window glass facilitates antenna installation in
vehicles, such as convertible vehicles and vehicles having
composite bodies that do not have large areas of metallic material
that can provide a ground connection. Also, the radio frequency
(RF) couplers that are employed in certain conventional systems may
be eliminated. Performance may be improved as a result. In
addition, manufacturing costs can be reduced in this way. Further,
an AM/FM antenna can readily be integrated into the antenna
package, thereby reducing AM/FM pigtail impedance fluctuations and
improving AM/FM signal reception.
[0034] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that
various modifications and improvements may be made without
departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed embodiments.
The scope of protection afforded is to be determined solely by the
claims and by the breadth of interpretation allowed by law.
* * * * *